Wisdom Teeth Removal
in Denver, CO

Our dental center in Denver offers wisdom teeth removal to help patients improve their comfort and avoid complications in the future. This procedure eliminates pain, infections, damage to nearby tissues, and other issues caused by wisdom teeth. Our triple-board-certified surgeon, Dr. Nesiba, performs simple and complex extractions based on each patient’s needs. He uses the latest techniques and cutting-edge equipment to preserve dental health and maximize comfort.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

in Denver, CO

table of contents

What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Wisdom teeth removal is the surgical extraction of third molars – the last teeth to erupt in the very back of the mouth. They sometimes emerge partially or become impacted, causing pain, infection, cysts, damage to adjacent teeth, and other problems. The removal procedure involves numbing the area around the tooth and surgically eliminating it. The total time of this operation is 30-90 minutes, depending on the difficulty. After wisdom teeth extraction, patients usually experience mild pain, swelling, and bruising that can be managed with medication and ice packs.

Types of Wisdom Teeth Extractions

A simple extraction is performed when the wisdom tooth has fully erupted and has enough gum tissue and bone surrounding it. Dr. Nesiba numbs the area, makes a small incision in the gum, and uses special tools to loosen and remove the tooth. This is the easiest and quickest method.

An impacted extraction is done when the wisdom tooth is trapped below the surface of the gums and pushing against the other teeth. Dr. Nesiba numbs the area, makes an incision, removes some bone if needed, and eliminates the tooth. Extraction of impacted wisdom teeth takes more time, and the recovery can be more difficult.

Sectioning refers to cutting a wisdom tooth into smaller pieces to remove it more easily. This is done when the tooth is severely impacted or hooked around healthy teeth and roots. Dr. Nesiba sections the tooth before taking each piece out individually. This protects other teeth and makes a complex extraction easier.

How Do You Know If You Should Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth often emerge in early adulthood and can cause problems if there is not enough room for them. Signs that they should be removed include:

Dr. Nesiba may recommend removal even if wisdom teeth have partially emerged and appear problem-free to prevent future complications.

Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Typically, the process begins with a consultation appointment to evaluate the status of the wisdom teeth. During this meeting, Dr. Nesiba examines the third molars visually and via dental X-rays to assess their position, health, and potential impact on surrounding teeth and tissues. After oral examination, he determines whether removal is necessary and discusses options and timelines for surgery.

Patients should follow all pre-operative instructions from Dr. Nesiba, such as dietary restrictions, medication guidelines, and smoking cessation. Some additional preparation might involve purchasing soft foods for the initial recovery and taking a few days off work if needed.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

Anesthesia

Dr. Nesiba uses local anesthesia to numb the area around the wisdom teeth. This is usually done with injections into the gums and jaw area. The anesthetic blocks pain signals to the brain so the patient does not feel anything during the procedure. We may also use intravenous sedation to provide maximum comfort and relaxation.

Incisions

If the wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck under the gums), Dr. Nesiba makes a small incision to expose them. Depending on the complexity of the condition, he may cut the gum tissue itself and/or through the jawbone. This allows access to remove the impacted teeth.

Teeth Removal

Once the wisdom teeth are exposed, Dr. Nesiba uses elevators and forceps to loosen the tooth from the surrounding bone and tissue. He will gently rock the tooth while applying light pressure to extract it. In complex cases, the tooth may be broken into several pieces and then removed one at a time.

Cleaning the Socket

After wisdom teeth extraction, Dr. Nesiba irrigates the empty sockets to wash away any loose debris. He then uses a small tool called a curette to carefully remove any remaining tissue, helping prepare the socket for proper healing.

Closure

Finally, the incision site is closed with stitches that will dissolve over time. The gums will heal naturally as the patient recovers.

Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal

The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal can vary from person to person. Immediately after surgery, the area may be sore and swollen for a few days. Using ice packs can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Over-the-counter and prescription pain medication is recommended for the first several days to get restorative sleep and avoid aches. It is normal to experience some minor oozing from the incision sites. Gauze can be used to control bleeding.

For the first week, patients should eat soft meals that require little chewing. Good options include mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, and soup. After about 5-7 days, patients can slowly return to more solid meals. During healing, they should avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods. Additionally, patients must abstain from drinking through a straw for at least three days because the suction motion may dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site.

Proper oral health is crucial. Gently rinsing with a saltwater solution helps keep the area clean. However, patients must be careful not to rinse too vigorously. Brushing and flossing should be done gently around the surgery sites. Most individuals recover fully in 1-2 weeks after wisdom teeth removal.

Candidates for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is a widespread procedure. Millions of extractions are performed yearly in the United States, helping people improve comfort and preserve oral health. Many individuals may benefit from having their wisdom teeth taken out, including:

Teenagers and young adults

Wisdom teeth often emerge in the late teens to early twenties. If they are impacted, partially erupted, or positioned improperly, extraction may be recommended.

People who experience
significant discomfort

Symptoms like pain, swelling, infections, or cysts associated with wisdom teeth indicate that a removal is necessary. This surgery helps alleviate discomfort.

Individuals with orthodontics

Braces or clear aligners can pressure wisdom teeth, leading to complications. Taking them out may allow patients to achieve orthodontic or natural alignment.

Patients undergoing major
dental work

If extensive dental treatments (e.g., implants or bridges) are planned, Dr. Nesiba may extract wisdom teeth first to avoid later problems.

Individuals at high risk for decay
or gum disease

Third molars are difficult to access and keep clean. Removing them eliminates hard-to-reach areas that are prone to decay and infection.

Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is a crucial procedure that can significantly improve people’s oral health. It provides many benefits for patients:

Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal in Denver, CO

The cost of wisdom teeth removal in Denver ranges from $200 to $600 per tooth. Factors like the complexity of the extraction and the type of anesthesia can affect the total price. Simple removals under a local anesthetic are usually cheaper. Patients with complex impactions that require sectioning and intravenous sedation incur higher costs.

Dental insurance may significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Many plans cover a portion of wisdom teeth extractions, starting at 50% up to 80% or more. Patients can receive accurate price quotes and assistance with insurance coverage during the initial consultation with Dr. Nesiba.

What Makes Our Dental Services Different From Others?

Our dental center in Denver offers exceptional wisdom tooth extraction services. Dr. Nesiba received board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery, which is a testament to his brilliant skills and deep expertise. He underwent extensive training in wisdom tooth extractions and other procedures during his six years of residency at the Detroit Medical Center. Dr. Nesiba takes a patient-focused approach, building relationships with patients and ensuring their safety and satisfaction.

@cherrycreekoms